Lynn Dean Parks Jr.

Lynn Dean Parks Jr., 75, of Traverse City passed away unexpectedly at his home Sunday, September 11, 2011. He was born March 6, 1936 in Alma to Lynn and Alice (Helman) Parks. Lynn moved to the Traverse City area in 1968 where he owned and operated the Spring Valley Ranch for over 18 years. His love of horses carried through in everything he did from his hobbies to his occupation. He devoted his life to the 4H organization. He was a leader and a judge, and spent time training, buying, selling, and breeding horses throughout his life.

Lynn is survived by the mother of his children: Doris Parks; 4 children: Larry (Amy) Parks, Cindy (Bob) Melvig, Kevin (Ronda) Parks, and Dean Parks; 9 grandchildren: Hollie and Lesley Parks, Dustin and Devon Melvig, Eric, Samuel, Jessica, Josh, and Hillary Parks; 2 great grandchildren: Gage and Bristol Melvig; a sister Katherine (Jerry) LaLonde and a brother Dale Parks.

Besides his parents, Lynn was preceded in death by 3 brothers Cleo, Wayne, and Clarence Parks.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City. A funeral will be held Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011 at 1 p.m., with visitation 1 hour prior also at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Please share a memory of Lynn at www.covellfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.